The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20